Service facilities for building system



Dec. 22, 1964 1.. MARKLE 3,162,277

SERVICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING SYSTEM Filed 0ct. 17, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 gzfayeflejyarile mnfuma wamaw Dec. 22, 1964 1.. MARKLE SERVICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 1'7, 1960 iii lafgelifeflfizrkle,

- INVENTOR.

Dec. 22, 1964 L. MARKLE 3,162,277

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SERVICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 17, 1960 INVENTOR.' lafayeize firkk Dec. 22, 1964 MARKLE 3,162,277

SERVICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 17, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 fir J56 J61 INVENTOR.

Dec. 22, 1964 L. MARKLE SERVICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING SYSTEM '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed 001:. 1'7. 1960 13. lafgyezk f zle,

BY 1% 4% 11% a ne United States Patent Ofilice 3,lfi2,277 Patented Dec. 22, 1964 3,162,277 SERVECE FACILITEES FUR EUllL-DENG SYSTEl /i Lafayette Marlrle, Donlea Road,Ba1rington, ill. Filed Oct. 17, 1960, Ser. No. 63,697 27 Claims. (Cl. 189--1) This invention relates to improvements in a prefabricated building system and more particularly to a novel arrangement for providing the required service and utility facilities in such a system.

In my prior US. Patent No. 2,950,786 and my copending application Serial No. 785,748, filed January 8, 1959, now U.S. Patent No. 3,134,464, granted May 26, 1964, I have described and claimed a comprehensive building system wherein the various component parts of the building structure are adapted to be fabricated in the factory or shop by modern high-speed production techniques and are capable of rapid assembly and erection in the field with minimum labor and expense. At the same time, the previously described system aifords wide latitude of architectural treatment and choice of materials of construction.

An important feature of a building system of the aforementioned type is a suitable arrangement for providing the necessary facilities for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary needs and including such services as Water lines, sewage lines, electrical connections, and telephone connections.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide still further improvements in the basic building system of my prior invention so as to further reduce the labor and cost involved in field assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for incorporating the general services and utilities required in a building system of the aforementioned character.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel self-contained structure containing various service and utility facilities and adapted to be preassembled in the shop and installed in the field at minimum expense in connection with a building system of the type described.

An additional object of the invention is to provide novel means for connecting an elongated structure to a wall or panel portion of a building.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the subsequent detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 1A comprise an elevational view illustrating one specific embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view as seen along the line 2-2 onFlGS. l and 1A;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4';

FIG. 6 is a simplified enlarged clevational view showing further details of one portion of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view seen along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 but with the addition of other parts of the structure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an elevational' view, with portions broken away illustrating a duct structure constituting a further feature of the invention;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing details of a modified duct structure;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line ill-19 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view illustrating another duct arrangement;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line l2.12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 1414 of FIG. 13.

Broadly speaking, the service facilities arrangement of the present invention consists of two interconnecting units: (1) an elongated entering cluster unit containing service and utility lines which extends inwardly beneath the outside wall of the building, and (2) a generally T-shaped distributing unit having a horizontal frame portion supported on the internal framework of the building and a vertical frame portion connected to the inner end of the entering cluster unit. As will hereinafter appear, the entering cluster unit is interlocked by novel clamp means with an outside wall of the building, e.g. with the footing at the base of the outside wall, so as to extend in cantilever fashion toward a central portion of the building. The horizontal frame portion of the T-shaped distributing unit is preferably supported on and wedge locked to a main joist in the framework of the building and provides lateral extensions communicating with the various rooms and fixtures.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, the invention is illustrated in connection with a building of the type described and claimed in my aforementioned US. Patent No. 3,134,464

having an outside wall 2-6 (FIG. 1) with a base or footing 21 and a inidwall 22 (FIG. 1A). The walls 29 and 22 are interconnected by means of an elongated joist unit, designated generally at 23 (FIG. 1), which is preferably a combined joist-panel structure of the type described and claimed in my aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 3,134,464. For clarity, however, the panel portions enclosing the joist unit have been omitted from the drawings. The joist unit 23 comprises a frame having elongated angle members or chords 24 disposed at the respective corner portions of the unit and interconnected transversely at suitable intervals by a plurality of horizontal upper and lower cross members 26 (FIG. 2) and vertical members 27 (FIG. 1) so that the joist unit has an elongated, generally rectangular, boxlike configuration. Diagonal braces or bridging members 25 are also provided between the upper and lower cross members 26. As described in more detail in my aforementioned US. Patent No. 3,134,- 464, the ends of the joist 23 are supported on and connected to the Walls 2t; and 22 by a dual wedge locking arrangement which includes yoke hangers 28 extending rigidiy from the walls 25) and 22, upper and lower horizontal ledge members 29 and Si, and wedge lock means 32 for mounting the ledge members 2% and 31 on the yoke hangers 28. Upper and lower ledge plates 33 and 34 extend rigidly from the ends of the joist chords 24 and rest on the ledge plates 29 and 31, respectively, and are secured thereto by wedge lock means 36.

The entering framed cluster unit of the service facilities arrangement comprising the present invention is designated generally at 41 (FIG. 1) and comprises an elongated framework having spaced parallel side channels 44 (FIG. 3) interconnected at longitudinally spaced intervals by upper and lower cross straps 42 and 43, respectively. A pair of brackets 46 and 4'7 are secured to the channels 44 for mounting a waste or drain line 48 and telephone, power, and fuel lines 4%, 49b and 49c, respectively. Another bracket 51 is secured between the upper and lower straps 42 and 43 for mounting a water line 52 and a drain 52. Another set of brackets, as indicated at 46 in FIG. 1, may also be provided for the service lines but the iner ends of the lines are preferably free to facilitate connection with the continuations of the service lines carried by the distributing unit, as described below.

The cluster 41 extends at; a Slight angle from outside the building underneath the outside wall 20,. as seen in FIG. 1, and is rigidly secured to the footing 21 by means of an adjustable clamping arrangement. The clamping means comprises, in this instance, a fixed portion 53 including a pair of spaced upright members 54 having flanged lower ends rigidly secured to the upper flanged edges of the channels .44 and extending inwardly at an angle at their upper ends to overlie the footing 21 at the outside thereof. The members 54 are connected by a pair of cross braces 56 for strengthening purposes. A hanger member 55 having a contour conforming to the shape of the footing 21 is also secured rigidly across the uppered ges of the channels 44 and to the members 54, the hanger 55 being interposed between the members 54 and the footing 21. Coacting with the fixed clamp portion 53 is an adjustable clamp portion 57 slidable along the cluster frame and comprising a generally U-shaped strap having a bottom portion 58 disposed across the lower edges of the channels 44 and a'pair of spaced upright legs 59 which extend along the outer edges of the channels 44 and are inclined inwardly at their upper ends to overlie the footing 21 at the inside thereof. The legs 59 are interconnected and braced by a pair of cross straps 60. A bracket structure 61 is rigidly secureto the cross straps 69, the bracket 61 overlying and conforming to the shape of the footing 21 and having an extended upper abutment portion 62. A lower abutment plate 63' extendsrigidly from the bottom 58 of the: U-shaped strap.

the footing 21 so that the fixed clamp portion 53 is hooked over the footing 21,the movable clamp portion During installation, the preassembly cluster framework with attached service lines is moved into position beneath- 57 being slid along the framework until the abutments is shifted toward the footing 21 to engage the same and thereby disposethe abutments 62 and 63 in spaced rela-. I

tion from the adjacent cross straps 42 and 43. A pair of upper and lower tapered wedge members 64 and do are then inserted between the respective portions 62-42 and 63-43 and are adjustably ,drawn toward each other by means of a threaded bolt68 extending therebetween so that the fixed clamp portion 53 and the movable clamp portion 57 are thereby snugly engaged with the footing 21.

The entering cluster unit 41 is thus securely suspended at one end thereof from the footing 21 and extends inwardly in cantilever fashion. It will be understood that a small amount of excavation is required to accommodate the cluster unit 41 beneath the footing 21 but thereafter the cluster unit'is covered with earth in the usual manner. Although the invention as herein illustrated provides for attachment of the elongated cluster unit to the footing of the outside wall, it will be understood that the same general type of clamped attachment can also be provided when the cluster unit is extended through an outside wall, as in' the case of a building having a basement. 7

The opposite or inner end of the entering cluster unit 41 has rigidly secured thereto an upright connector section 71 (FIG. 1) having an adjustable connection with the lower end of the distributing unit. As previously mentioned, the distributing unit has a T-shaped configuration including a by a pair of apertured cross plates 78, the cross plates 76 and 78 having an overlapping or telescopic sliding fit (FIG. 8) for bringing the apertures, designated at 79 and 81, into register.

The connector section'71 is wedge locked to the vertical frame portion 73 by means of a pair of tapered wedges 32 and 83 inserted in the registered openings 79, 81 and drawn together by a threaded bolt 84. As seen in FIG. 1, the service lines 48, 49a, 49b, and 52 extend upwardly from the entering cluster unit 41 through the connector section 71 and thence upwardly through the vertical frame portion 73 of the distributing unit, the lines being suitably mounted on the vertical frame portion where necessary and suitable detachable connections 86 being provided in the service lines within the connector section 71. The cantilever support for the cluster unit 41 provides a certain degree of spring or flexibility at the inner end of the cluster unit, thereby facilitating connection between the sections 71 and 73 and accommodating dimensional variations as well'as expansion and contraction of the parts. I

The horizontal frame portion 72 of the distributing unit comprises a pair of elongated spaced ledge strips 91 rigidly secured to the upright members 77 ofthe vertical frame portion 73 and supported on the cross members 26 of the joist unit 23, as best understood from FIGS. 6 and 7. For purposes of, clarity, FIG. 6 shows only the members 25 and 26of the joist unit 23, but in FIG. 7 the remainder of the joist unit 23 has been added. A plurality of vertical members 927(FIGS. 1, and 2) are secured to the ledgestrips 91 atspaced intervals therealong and are interconnectedby diagonal cross-members 93. The members 92 project abovetheupper chords 24 of the joist unit 23 and are interconnected by a horizontal strip 112. The members 92 also project below the lower chords 24 of the joist unit 23 and carry laterally projecting thrust plates 94. Similar thrust'plates 95 are also mounted on the lower ends of diagonal cross braces 95 interconnecting the vertical side members 77 of the distributing unit, the thrust plates 95 being in horizontal alignment with the thrust plates 94.

' The horizontal frame portion 72 of the distributing unit is anchored to the joist unit 23 by means of a pair of elongated lock strips 96 which are supported along 'their lower edges on the thrust plates 94, 95 and are engaged along their upper edges by pairs of tapered wedge members 97 (FIG. 7). The Wedge members 97, are drawn toward each other by a threaded bolt 98 and the upper surfaces-of the wedge members engage the cross members 26 of the joistunit 23. As seen in FIG. 7, the thrust plates 94 and 95 preferably have suitably inclined upper edges 99 and the lock strips 96 are preferably disposed at'a suitable angle for most effective wedging and locking action in cooperation with the lower tapered surfaces of the wedge members 97. The angular arrangement ofthe wedge surfaces and theupper edges of the thrust plates prevents the lock strips 96 from popping outfduring tightening of the wedge assembly.

It will be understood from the description thus far that the T-shaped distributing unit has its horizontal frame portion 72 nested within and supported by the elongated joist unit 23, the frame portion 72 being wedge locked along its lower edges to the joist unit 23, and the vertical frame portion 73 of the joist-mounted distributing unit horizontal frame portion 72 and a vertical frame portion v 73. As best seen in: FIGS. 6-8, the connector section 71 comprises spacedangle members 74 interconnected by.

extends-downwardly and has a detachable Wedge locked connection with the upstanding connector section 71 of between the ledge strips 91. Adjacent the outer wall 20 of the building the lines 48 and 52 branch upwardly and laterally, as required, for communication with various bathroom or. kitchen fixtures.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a baseboard assembly 101 for housing the several lines. he baseboard assembly 161 has a generally triangular cross-section including a base 1&2 supported on the ends of the ledge strips 91, an upstanding rear wall 103 rigidly secured at its lower end to the base Hi2, and a removable face cover 194. The upper end of the rear wall 103 has a downturned flanged edge 1% for receiving a lip 167 on the upper edge of the cover 104, and the inner end of the base 1M has an upturned flanged edge 1% for receiving a curled portion 1529 at the lower edge of the cover 194. The cover 104 is installed by first interfitting the curled lower edge 199 with the flange 108 and then springing the lip 197 into detachable locked relation behind the flange 166. A plurality of diagonal braces or supports 111 are secured between the base 192 and the rear wall 103, and the lateral branches of the pipes 43 and 52 are held by spring clips 110 mounted on the braces 121.

The vertical frame portion '73 of the distributing unit may also extend upwardly above the joist unit 23, as shown in FIG. 1, and a second distributing unit having a depending vertical frame portion 73' may be connected thereto by means of wedge-locked overlapping cross plates 76, 3' similar to the connection 76, 78 between the frame portion 73 and the connector section 71. Thus, the various service facilities may be extended to one or more upper stories of the building in the same general manner heretofore described.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the horizontal strip 112 extends across and is secured to the upright members 92 and 77, and a junction box 113 is hung on the strip 112 by means of clamps, indicated schematically at 114, and is braced by end lugs 116 interconnecting the box 11 .3 with the adjacent upright members 92 and 77. The telephone and electrical conduits 49a and 49b extend upwardly from the cluster unit 41 through the connector section 71 and the vertical frame portion 73 of the distributing unit and thence branch laterally to the junction box 113 which may house a bank of fuses or the like for the first door of the building. Additional conduits may extend from the box 113 to similar junction boxes for the upper stories, if required.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, the right-hand end of the horizontal frame portion 72 of the distributing unit between the vertical frame portion 73 and the midwall 22 is laterally enlarged within the confines of the joist unit 23 to accommodate additional service structures. Thus, the ledge strips 91 have joined thereto a pair of laterally offset ledge extension strips 121 which in turn are connected to a pair of laterally offset ledge extension strips 122.

A water heater 123 having suitable connections with the water line 52 is supported over the ledge extension strips 121 on the upper ends of a plurality of uprights 124 attached to the ledge extension strips 121.

A chimney structure is supported between the ledge extension strips 122 and comprises an outer duct 126 of rectangular cross section with an inner flue pipe 127. The duct 126 has a rigid perimeter framework 123 with insulating cover panels 129, and the flue pipe 127 is supported from the framework 123 by means of brackets 131 suitably spaced along the length of the chimney structure. The outer duct 126 is suspended from the extension strips 122 by means of brackets 132 extending from the corners of the framework 123. The duct 126 is also wedge locked against the bottom of the joist unit 23 by means of lock strips 133 (FIG. 1A), thrust plates 134, and wedge means 136 which function in the same manner as the lock strips 96, thrust plates 95, and wedge means 97, $8 heretofore described. Heating apparatus, such as a furnace 137 is suspended from the lower ends of the uprights 124 which extend below the extension 121 and below the joist unit 23. An electrical connection 135 extends between the junction box 113 and the furnace 137, and an outlet gas pipe 138 extends from the furnace 137 to the lower end of the flue pipe 127. As seen in PEG. 1A, the flue pipe 127 is made up of sections of pipe having an overlapping or telescopic joint 139 therebetween to accommodate dimensional variations as well as expansion and contraction.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the chimney structure in greater detail and with slight modifications as compared with FIG. 1A. The chimney in this case is located adjacent a midwall 141 and extends upwardly from a first floor joist unit 14-2 through a second floor joist unit 143 and thence through a roof 144. The outer duct 146, having corner frame members 147 with cross ties 148 and cover panels 149, is suspended from the distributing units within the joists 14-2 and 143 by means of corner brackets 151, lock strips 152, thrust plates 153, and wedge means 154 in the same manner described above. A chimney top unit 156 projecting through the roof 144 is wedge locked to the upper end of the duct 1% by means of 2 splice joint 157, and a cap portion 158' is disposed over the upper end of the top unit 156. A flange 159 having a gasket or sealing surface is provided on top unit 156 for engaging the roof 144, the flange 159 being drawn tightly against the roof 144 by means of the wedge locked splice joint 157. The inner flue pipe, designated at 161, again comprises interconnected pipe sections with overlapping telescopic joints 162.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the corner mounting brackets 151 for the duct 14,6 extend outwardly from the corner frame members 147 and rest on the spaced ledge extension strips, designated at 163, of the distributing unit at each floor. The flue pipe 161 is clamped between sernicircular clamp sections 164 which are in turn supported by bracket portions 166 extending from diagonally disposed frame members 147 of the duct framework. As

shown at the lower right-hand corner of FIG. 10, thethrust plates 153 are shorter than the brackets 151 so that the duct structure 146 can readily be inserted downwardly between the ledge extension strips 163 during assembly.

As will be understood, hot combustion gas from the furnace passes upwardly through the inner flue pipe 161 to the atmosphere. However, the space within the duct 1% surrounding the flue pipe 151 provides an auxiliary heating arrangement whereby air is passed upwardly through the duct 1% in indirect heat exchange relation with the hot gas in the flue pipe 161 and is thence diverted outwardly, by means of a baflie 165, through the second floor joist unit 143 (or a duct mounted therein) to varione room outlets. Leakage of air through the baffle 167 allows a smaller flow of heated air to pass upwardly beyond the joist 143 and thence outwardly into the attic space through an opening 167 in the duct cover panel 149 immediately below the roof 144.

FIG. 9A shows in greater detail aclamp mounting arrangement for securing a chimney duct structure to a roof, the clamping means being generally similar to the clamp means 53, 57 heretofore described in connection with the cluster unit 41. Thus, the framework 156' of the chimney top unit has a pair of brackets 169 rigidly secured at opposite sides thereof, and a pair of adjustable thrust channels 170 are disposed below the roof 144 in spaced relation abovethe brackets 169. A pair of oppositely disposed tapered wedges 17% are interposed between each channel 170 and-bracket 169, the wedges of each pair being drawn together by a threaded bolt arrangernent of the type previously described. Thus, the chimney top unit is drawn downwardly and a gasket seal 15? above-the roof 1% is seated tightly against the upper surface of the roof. The lower end of the framework 156" has a wedge locked adjustable splice joint 157 with the duct framework 14-7. Heated air flows upwardly within the duct 14% around the flue pipe 161' and thence outwardly into the attic space through a suitable opening 167' in the duct cover panels 149'.

FTGS. 1l14 illustrate still further modifications of the chimney structure as adapted for an expanded or laterally enlarged midwall of the type described in my aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 3,134,464. Thus, the midwall is designated generally at 171 and extends from beneath the first floor of the building to the roof 172 thereof. The lower panel of the midwall 171 secured to the footing of the building by means of a Wedge lock joint 173 of a type fully described in my aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 3,134,464. The midwall 171 is provided with a laterally enlarged center section 174 which comprises a duct containing, in this case, a pair of flue pipes 176. At the lower end of the midwall, the flue pipes 176 have a stub connection 177 for communication with a heating plant (not shown). As seen in FIG. 12, the flue pipes 176 are secured within the expanded wall duct 174 by means of clamps 178 and brackets 179 rigidly fastened to the peripheral framework, designated at 181, of the duct structure. In FIG. 13, the upper end portion of the duct section 174 is shown as being provided with laterally extending branch ducts 182 FIGS. 13 and 14 also illustrate a chimney top, unit 183 '8 Thus, an air stream, suitably heated, cooled, or otherwise conditioned, may be passed upwardly through the 1 enlarged vertical duct space 174 and thence outwardly walls of the chimney top unit and secured at their lower A ends to the midwall 171 by-means of wedge lockfasteners 187. Thus, a sealing flange 188 on the chimney topunit is drawn'tightly against the roof 172. The flue pipes 176 are supported by clamp rings 189 and brackets 19%,

the latter also being mounted, in this instance, on opposite walls of the chimney top unit 183 by means of bolts 191. The flue pipes 176 each compriseinterconnected pipe sections. At'the left-hand side of FIG. 13, the pipe sections are spaced apart axially and the space is enclosed by an insulating sleeve 192 which is surroundedby a collar 193 held by a clamp band 194. At the right-hand side of FIG. 13, the pipe sections; have a telescopic joint and the juncture is sealed by an insulating collar 195 retained on the pi e by an inner peripheral bead 196 and an outer clamp band 197.

It will be recognized from the foregoing'that the vertical frame portions 73 of the T-shaped distributing units may also provide suitable anchorage for mounting various bathroom or kitchen fixtures. In addition, the vertical frames may carry curtain wall covering to serve as partitions be-' tween rooms.

The system described herein offers important advantages over previously proposed prefabricated building systems in thatthe service line arrangements are incorporated in prefabricated subassembly units, namely, the entering cluster unit 41-7 land the distributing units 72-73, which are wedge locked to the framework of the building to become an integral part of the building. As a result, the piping and service lines are'fully supported by the cluster unit and distributing units and all strain is taken from the piping which may therefore be of lighter weight construction than has been customary heretofore. In addition, the present invention provides an effective clamp mounting for securing one end of an elongated structure, such as the cluster unit or the chimney duct, to a panel portion of the'building, such as an outer wall or roof. It will be evident'that the economies infield labor and other construction costs which are characteristic of my over-all building system, as described in my aforementioned prior patents, have also been extended to include the presently disclosed service facilities arrangement.

The entering cluster unit 41-71. can be located at anyv required point around-the footings of thebuilding'in order to accommodate the most suitable location for the distributing unit and it is not necessary to break into or alter the dimensions of the wall panel units or theirfootings.

As described more fully in my aforementioned I work, means at the outer end of said cluster framework through the branch ducts 182 to the various rooms. The branch ducts 182 are conveniently located within the hollow interior of the combination joist panel units 23, in the manner previously described in connection with FIG. 9. In traversing the duct 174 in the case of a heating system, the incoming air is passed in indirect heat exchange relation with the hot fiuegases in the flue pipes 17 6 so that maximum utilization of available heat is realized. The expanded duct 174 may also be utilized to advantage without the inner flue pipes 176. For example, in an outside-wall of the building the duct passage may be divided by a partition to provide a pair of intake passages for supplying outside air to the rooms for ventilation and also to the heating plant for combustion purposes.

Although the invention has been described with particularreference to certain specific structural embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that various alternatives .and equivalent structures may be resorted to with out departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1; In a building system having an outside wall, a service facilities structure comprising an entrance unit including an elongated cluster framework extending from the outside to the inside of said wall, a plurality of elongated service lines mounted within said cluster framework, means at the outer end of said cluster framework mounted within the building and including a generally T-shaped framework with vertical and horizontal frame portions, and detachable connectionmeans between the lower end of said vertical frame portion and the inner end of said cluster framework, said lines extending upwardly from the inner end of said cluster framework through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along. said horizontal frame portion.

2. In a building system having a pair of spaced inner and outer walls with an elongated joist unit interconnecting the same, 'a service facilities structure comprising an entrance unit including an elongated cluster framework extending inwardly from said outer wall, a plurality of elongated service lines mounted within said cluster framework, means at the outer end of said cluster framework 7 for supporting the same on said outer wall, a distributing portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion,

3. The structure of claim 2 further characterized by the provisionof wedge means coacting between said joist and said horizontal frame portion-for anchoring said distributing unit.

4. -In a building system having a pair of spaced inner and outer walls with an elongated joist unit interconnecting the same, a service facilities structure comprising an entrance unit including an elongated cluster framework extending inwardly from said outer wall, a plurality of elongated service lines mounted within said cluster framefor supporting the same on said outer wall, a distributing unit mounted within the building between said walls and 7 including. a generally 'T-shaped'framework with vertical and horizontal frame portions,,said joist comprising elongated spaced chord members with interconnecting cross members and said horizontal frame portion of said distributing unit comprising elongated spaced frame members supported on said cross members intermediate said chord members, and detachable connection means between the lower end of said vertical frame portion and the inner end of said cluster framework, said lines extending upwardly from the inner end of said cluster framework through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion.

5. The structure of claim 4. further characterized by the provision of thrust means disposed below said joist and rigidly connected to said frame members, and wedge means coacting between said thrust means and the lower portion of said joist for anchoring said distributing unit.

6. In a building system, the combination of an upright outer wall having a footing at the base thereof, an elongated open framework extending from the outside to the inside of said wall beneath said footing and adapted to support a plurality of service lines, and adjustable mounting means rigidly interconnecting the outer end of said framework with said footing for cantilever support of said framework on said wall.

7. The combination of claim 6 further characterized in that said mounting means comprises a pair of clamp structures, one of said clamp structures being fixedly secured to said framework for engaging said footing at one side thereof and the other of said clamp structures being adjustable along said framework for engaging said footing at the other side thereof, and wedge means coasting between said framework and said other clamp structure for holding said clamp structures in snug engagement with said footing.

8. In .a building system having a panel portion, such as a Wall or a roof, the combination therewith of an elongated structure extending at opposite sides of said panel portion, and moun-ting means for connecting said structure to said. panel portion, said mounting means including a pair of clamp means one of which is fixedly secured to said structure for engaging said panel portion at one side thereof and the other of which is adjustable along said structure for engaging said panel portion at the other side thereof, and wedge means coacting between said structure and said other clamp means for retaining both said clamp means in engagement with-said panel portion.

9. In a, building system, the combination of an upright wall, an elongated framework extending inwardly from said wall, and cantilever support means for supporting an end portion of said framework from said wall, said support means comprising a pair of clamp structures, one of said clamp structures being fixedly secured to said framework and engageable with one side of said wall and the other of said clamp structures being adjustable along said framework and engageable with the other side of said wall, and wedge means coacting between said framework and said other clamp structure for retaining said clamp structures in clamped relation at opposite sides of said wall.

10. In a building system having an outside wall with a laterally enlarged footing at the base thereof, a service facilities structure for the building comprising an entrance unit including an elongated cluster framework extending inwardly from said wall below said footing and a plurality of elongated service lines supported by said cluster framework; cantilever support means at the outer end of said cluster framework for supporting the same on said footing, said support means including a first clamp structure fixedly secured to said cluster framework and adapted to embrace said footing at the outside of said wall, a second clamp structure adjustable along said cluster framework and adapted to embrace said footing at the inside of said Wall, and wedge means coacting between said cluster framework and said second clamp structure whereby said clamp structures are retained in snug engagement with opposite sides of said footing; and a distributing unit mounted within the building and including 1d a generally T-shaped framework with vertical and horizontal frame portions and means providing a detachable connection between the lower end of said vertical frame portion and the inner end of said cluster framework, said lines extending upwardly from the inner end of said cluster framework through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion.

11. In a building system having a pair of spaced vertical walls, the combination therewith of an elongated horizontal joist interconnecting said walls, a service line distributing unit comprising a generally T-shaped open framework including a vertical frame portion and a horizontal frame portion, means supporting said horizontal frame portion on the upper portion of said joist, means anchoring said horizontal frame portion to the lower portion of said joist, and service lines extending upwardly through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion.

12. In a building system having a pair of spaced vertical walls, the combination of an elongated horizontal joist interconnecting said walls and comprising elongated spaced chord members with a plurality of cross members connected at intervals therebetween, and a service line distributing unit comprising a generally T-shaped frame work including a vertical frame portion and a horizontal frame portion, said horizontal frame portion including a pair of elongated spaced frame members supported on said cross members intermediate said chord members, and service lines extending upwardly through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion.

13. In a building system having a pair of spaced vertical walls, the combinationof an elongated horizontal joist interconnecting said walls and comprising elongated spaced chord members with a plurality of cross members connected at intervals therebetween, and a service line distributing unit comprising a generally T-shaped framework including a vertical frame portion and a horizontal frame portion, said horizontal frame portion including a pair of elongated spaced frame members supported on said cross members intermediate said chord members, a plurality of upright members connected to and depending from said frame members at spaced intervals therealong, thrust means mounted on said upright members below said joist, wedge means coacting between said thrust means and the lower portion of said joist for anchoring said distributing unit, and service lines extending upwardly through said vertical frame portion and at least some of said lines thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion.

14. The combination of claim 13 further characterized in that said wedge means comprises a pair of elongated lock strips engaged at their lower edges by said thrust means, at least one pair of tapered wedges engaged between the lower portion of said joist and the upper edges of said lock strips, and adjustable means interconnecting said wedges for drawing the same toward each other at opposite sides of said horizontal frame portion for anchoring said distributing unit to said joist.

15. In a building system having an outside wall, a service facilities structure comprising an entrance unit including an elongated cluster framework extending inwardly of said wall, a plurality of elongated service lines mounted on said cluster framework, means at the outer end of said cluster framework for supporting the same on said wall, a distributing unit mounted within the building and including a generally T-shaped framework with vertical and horizontal frame portions, an upright connector section mounted at the inner end of said cluster framework, adjustable means providing a detachable connection between the upper end of said connector section and the lower end of said vertical frame portion, said service lines extending upwardly from said cluster frame- 1 1 work into said connector section, extensions of said lines extending upwardly through said vertical frame portion and at. least some of said extensions thence extending laterally along said horizontal frame portion, and means providing detachable connections between said lines and said extensions.

16. The structure of claim 15 further characterized in that said adjustable meansv comprises a pair of cross plates mounted in slidable relation on the upper end of said'connector section and the lower end of said vertical frame portion, and wedge means coacting between said cross plates for securing the same in locked relation.

17. The combination of claim 11 further characterized in that at least some of said service lines extend laterally along said horizontal frame portion at one side of said vertical frame portion, and an upright chimney structure is supported on said horizontal frame portion at the opposite side of said vertical frame portion.

18. The combination of claim 11 further characterized by the provision of an upright chimney structure supported on said horizontal frame portion and wedge lockting means rigidly securing said chimney structure to said joist.

19 The combination of claim 12 further characterized by the provision of an upright chimney structure extending vertically between said frame members above and below said joist, 'and mounting means coacting between said chimney structure and said frame members 'fO1 supporting said chimney structure on said horizontal frame portion. v p I 20, The combination of claim 19.-further characterized in that 'said mounting means comprises a plurality of mounting brackets extending rigidly from said chimney structure and supported on said frame members at the upper portion of said joist, and wedge locking means is.

provided coacting between said chimney structure and said joist at the lower portion of the latter for anchoring said chimney structure to said joist. I

21. The combination of claim 11 furthercharacterized by the provision of a chimney structure comprising an upright hollow duct supported on said horizontal frame portion, a flue pipe extending through said duct, and mounting means extending between said duct and said flue pipe for supporting the latter on said duct.

22. The combination of claim 21 further characterized by the provision of at leastone horizontal branch duct extending laterally from said upright duct through saidjoist, said flue pipe extending vertically within and in spaced relation from said upright duct whereby to pro vide indirect heat exchange between hot combustion gas in said flue pipe and a stream of air passing pwar ly in 12 the space between said upright duct'and said flue pipe and through said branch duct. i

23. The combination of claim 11 further characterized by the provision of an elongated hollow baseboard structure' extending transversely of and supported on said horizontal frame portion adjacent one of said walls, and means in said baseboard structure for mounting extensions of said service lines 7 24. The combination of claim'23 further charactertized in that said baseboard structure. comprisesfa base supported on said horizontal frame portion, a rear member extending upwardly from said base adjacent said one wall, a removable cover extending between and detachably connected to said base and to said rear member, and bracket means supported between said base and said rear member for mounting said extensions.

25. The combination of claim 8 further characterized inthat said panel portion comprises a roof and said elongated structure comprises a chimney.

26. The combination of claim 11 further characterized in that heating apparatus is also supported on said horizontal frame portion.

27. The combination of claim 26 further characterized in that an upright chimney structure forsaid heating apparatus is also supported on said horizontal frame portion.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 438,068 10/90 Dunnett 50-126 583,293 5/97 Pomeroy 189-34 1,127,844 2/ 15 Anderson 50-125 1,718,254 j 6/29 Putnam -1 50-126 2,058,543 10/36 Wooldridge 189-1 2,078,968 '5/37" Patterson 189-1 2,107,915 2/38- Tashj-ian 189-85 2,175,564v 10/39 Ingham 237-55 2,187,408 1/40 Thumm 189-2 2,419,319 4/47 Lankton -2 2,477,256 7/49 Kneas -126 2,481,861 9/49 Mueller 237- 2,592,084 4/52 Van Alstyne 50-125 2,729,429 1/56 Goernann 50-127 2,804,766 9/57 Landman 50-125 2,804,869 9/57 Besser 126-110 2,816,714 12/57 Worley 237-53 2,870,623 1/59 Murray 50-126 2,990,588 7/61 McKinley 50-126 X JACOB L'NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner.

JOEL REZNEK, Examiner. i 

1. IN A BUILDING SYSTEM HAVING AN OUTSIDE WALL, A SERVICE FACILITIES STRUCTURE COMPRISING AN ENTRANCE UNIT INCLUDING AN ELONGATED CLUSTER FRAMEWORK EXTENDING FROM THE OUTSIDE TO THE INSIDE OF SAID WALL, A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED SERVICE LINES MOUNTED WITHIN SAID CLUSTER FRAMEWORK, MEANS AT THE OUTER END OF SAID CLUSTER FRAMEWORK FOR SUPPORTING THE SAME ON SAID WALL, A DISTRIBUTING UNIT MOUNTED WITHIN THE BUILDING AND INCLUDING A GENERALLY T-SHAPED FRAMEWORK WITH VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL FRAME PORTIONS, AND DETACHABLE CONNECTION MEANS BETWEEN THE LOWER END OF SAID VERTICAL FRAME PORTION AND THE INNER END OF SAID CLUSTER FRAMEWORK, SAID LINES EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM THE INNER END OF SAID CLUSTER FRAMEWORK THROUGH SAID VERTICAL FRAME PORTION AND AT LEAST SOME OF SAID LINES THENCE EXTENDING LATERALLY ALONG SAID HORIZONTAL FRAME PORTION. 